A great place to have a good conversation with friends (or say hello & make some new ones - we're a friendly bunch), watch the game, play the jukebox, & simply relax in our warm and welcoming South Philly watering hole that will hopefully become your home away from home.

We are also home to a wonderful and ever-expanding community art gallery, with a rotating series of exhibits and events! Check out the talents of Philadelphia's art community and join us for our Opening Receptions with light refreshments where you can view (& purchase) the inspiring, amazing works from creative locals!

Stop in for a drink, pop by for a 6-pack, hunker down to watch the game over a few -- Try out our clever lil cocktail concoctions, maybe check out a new craft beer, enjoy some tasty, tempting, buttery & delicious house-made pierogis, and keep comin' back for all the exciting things on the horizon! We're hopin' to have sumthin' good for all ayouz!

ORIGIN of the BLACK CAT

It was a dark and stormy night when the Black Cat Tavern on 12th opened on Friday the 13th, May 2016....because, of course... & is meow open for business!

But don't let some fancy lights and a shiny new bartop fool ya... The owners Marlise & Tom are just regular Philly folks, who've struggled to make something of their art school backgrounds, fought tooth and nail and squirreled away their pennies and somehow managed to convince a nice bank to give them a chance & the opportunity to share their love of booze and a good time with everyone.

(They are also awesomely humbled by the warm welcome given by some of the nicest neighbors a bar could ever wish to have!)